Wednesday 03-07-2019 - 12:43

By: Becky Ricketts, Group President

 

In conjunction with the Accommodation team of the University, TSDSU supported a food bank collection for the Trussell Trust in Carmarthen, with the aim of collecting food and toiletries to see families through the six weeks holiday, when free school meals are unavailable to families in need.

I am so proud to say that our students delivered, and en masse! We collected everything from basics such as tins of beans and packets of pasta to sweet treats, sanitary wear and even an Easter egg! Over fifteen bags and boxes of donations filled the SU minibus and were greatly received here at the SU office or when myself, Elis and Laura went round halls to collect. The donations were stored safely with the other donations ready to be collected when they were needed this week.

Upon delivery, the three of us met the staff at the food bank who were overwhelmed at the volume of donations and even had time in their busy day to stop and chat to us about the issues the local community is facing in these times of austerity. We were humbled to realise the Food Bank was very busy, and obviously a lifeline for those living on or below the poverty line right here on our doorsteps in Carmarthen.

If you are compelled to volunteer and support the food bank in providing for the local community, then get in touch with us at the Students ‘ Union, and we will connect you to the lovely staff at the food bank, who will be more than happy to have an extra pair of hands.

Without the generosity of our students, initiatives such as this just wouldn’t have the community impact that it has, and I want to say a huge thank you to every single person that took part in this drive. I hope that one day we get to the point where food banks are no longer a necessity for anyone in our society, but until then by continuing to give them our support, we can offer aid to those in their hour of need.